Where to Find Parnell’s Best Desserts
We decided to help make your dessert decisions that much easier.
Many of the guests here at Rose Park Hotel are foodies. Some of them specifically select our Parnell accommodation to be close to all the local restaurants—while others are pleasantly surprised to discover that we’re surrounded by some of Auckland’s best eateries. And something that we feel particularly passionate about here at the Rose Park Hotel is dessert. We happen to think that a sweet treat can make or break a dining experience—and that dessert is often worthy of an outing in itself. Luckily for our guests (and our staff!) we’re surrounded by some of Parnell’s best dessert spots. So if you fancy something sweet, here is our list of the top four dessert restaurants in Parnell.
Chocolate Boutique
You just can’t go past chocolate for dessert—whether it’s in the form of a cake, tart, pudding, ice cream, pastry, mousse, drink or a classic chocolate block. And just a 15-minute walk from our Parnell accommodation is Chocolate Boutique — a café and shop with a menu that will impress even the maddest of chocolate fans. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am until 9:50pm, or from 6pm until 9.50pm on Mondays, the Chocolate Boutique is both a café and a shop. If you’re on the go, order a takeaway beverage like a coffee or a hot chocolate. But not just any old hot chocolate—here they serve their hot chocs with a tasty twist! Try the black forest classic or the butterscotch flavour—or treat yourself to a liquid chocolate ‘shot’ served with a side of liquid cream. If you’ve got more time to spend, sit down and indulge in one of the desserts. There are too many beauties to list, but let’s just say you’ll find all your favourites. And there are non-chocolate options too for those who want something less rich. Don’t forget to browse the shop and choose some things to take home afterwards—the chocolates make the perfect gift!
Atelier Shu
As you step inside Atelier Shu, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you were in the wrong place. Not your typical dessert joint, Atelier Shu has a real touch of class. Fitted out in minimalist marble, render and cool curved couches, it could just as easily be a small designer jewellery store. The only giveaway is that the glass box cabinet contains perfectly positioned pastries and cakes instead of glistening diamonds and jewels. Atelier Shu is one of those places that prides itself on its presentation. Not only do the sweet treats taste good, but they’re meticulously crafted works of art that almost look too good to be eaten. If you have a small gathering coming up and you’re at a loss for what to take, a box of pastries from Atelier Shu is bound to be a crowd favourite. It’s situated on Faraday Street, just a couple of blocks from our Parnell accommodation... Just make sure you visit mid-week as they’re not open on the weekends.
Vaniye
Vaniye Patisserie is another specialty bakery offering in Parnell. Sitting just off Parnell Road, you may find yourself strolling by after a night out at one of the local restaurants. And if you do, we highly recommend you pop in. Vaniye owner Sonia lived and trained in France for many years, so her French cakes and pastries are as authentic as they come. In 2021, Vaniye was named New Zealand’s Best Luxury Patisserie and Culinary Excellence for Artisan Birthday Cakes at the Asian Pacific Business Awards. So if you have a special occasion or event to celebrate while you’re here in Auckland, consider ordering a gorgeous French cake from Vaniye Patisserie. And if you’re looking for something less substantial, the delicate millefeuille is always a winner!
Rose Park Hotel Restaurant
If you’re staying with us, you don’t actually need to go very far to satisfy that sweet tooth! There are four delicious desserts on our menu which always prove popular. Italian fans and espresso drinkers will love the tiramisu. Served with whipped vanilla mascarpone, sponge finger, chocolate sauce and choco soi, it’s the perfect way to complete a meal when it’s too late for a coffee. The waffle brownie sundae is next up—a big hit with kids and kids at heart. With caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and berries, you’ll want to make sure you leave room after your main for this sugary delight. If a lighter dessert is more your style, you’ll adore our classic vanilla panacotta. Served with seasoned berries, honeycomb and almond crumb, it’s the perfect way to complete your meal and cleanse your palate. And for some diners, you can’t go past the classic trio of ice cream or a large spoon of sorbet. Flavours change by the day, so check with us to see if today’s flavour is something that piques your interest. The best thing about ordering your dessert at our Parnell accommodation is that you can opt for room service from 4pm until 9pm. Why get out and pound the pavement when you can indulge from the comfort of your room?!
To experience Parnell’s best desserts, book your stay with us at Auckland Rose Park Hotel. Sitting alongside the picturesque Parnell Rose Gardens, our hotel offerscomfort and convenience for solo travellers, families and groups of all sizes.